THE GOOD SALT

Knowing which foods are beneficial and which aren’t seems to change daily and salt is no exception. We’ve all been told that too much salt is not good for you, that it contributes to strokes, high blood pressure and other ailments. The truth is we need salt. Our bodies are made up of 75% water, a salty solution similar to seawater (Ever tasted your tears?). Water and salt regulate all metabolic functions of the body and are crucial for maintaining the health of every cell. The culprit is not salt, but the wrong salt. Regular table salt is refined, primarily kiln-dried sodium chloride with anti-caking agents and iodine added. The beneficial trace minerals, as well as calcium, magnesium and potassium salts that keep the body’s electrolytes in a healthy balance, are removed in processing. Table salt is bleached and usually contains sugar (dextrose) and other additives. Processed food and frozen dinners contain high amounts of this table salt further adding to the salt problem.

So what kind of salt do you buy? Sea salt that is sun dried and in its natural, mineral rich crystal form. It often is pinkish in hue because of the trace minerals. Sea salt is available in most grocery stores including Trader Joe’s. As with all food that you buy, read the label though. Some sea salts have been processed too. Redmond Real Salt is a good brand and free from any additives or chemicals. It comes from an ancient salt deposit near the small town of Redmond, Utah.

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2 responses to this post.

Betsy, interesting point but do you have info on substituting sea salt for regular table salt – it is not an equal ratio, I know because I ve ruined dinners by putting in teaspoon
Of sea salt when the recipe says teaspoon of salt. Switching may be great but need more info if possible.

Thanks for commenting Kate. I’m glad you brought that up. I too have found out that you don’t need as much sea salt. I’m not an exact cook, so I just estimate and add less than the recipe calls for, but I’ll see if I can find a ratio that works. Good luck!